South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke has broken West Indies great Desmond Haynes’ record for the highest score on one-day international debut after hitting 150 against New Zealand.
Breetzke struck 11 fours and five sixes in his 148-ball knock in Lahore as he made his 50-over bow for the Proteas after 10 T20 international appearances and one Test match start.
Haynes had registered 148 against Australia on his West Indies ODI debut in 1978, while Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz is third on the list after amassing 127 against Ireland in January 2021.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet and I’m a bit tired,” said Breetzke, who is not part of the South Africa squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE.
“The pitch was tacky and (New Zealand seamer Will) O’Rourke was really tough to face. My mindset was to bat as long as possible and give myself a chance at the end.”
Before Breetzke, the highest score by a South African on ODI debut was the 124 made by Colin Ingram against Zimbabwe in 2010.
Breetzke’s century on Monday took his side to 304-6 from their 50 overs against New Zealand but the Black Caps chased that down with eight balls to spare to win by six wickets thanks to Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 133 and Devon Conway’s 97.
Williamson became the second-fastest player to 7,000 ODI runs in terms of innings (159), behind only former South Africa batter Hashim Amla (150).
The teams are competing in a tri-series, also involving host nation Pakistan, ahead of the Champions Trophy, which is live on Sky Sports from February 19 to March 9.
Watch all the action from the ICC Champions Trophy live on Sky Sports from February 19 to March 19
South Africa seamer Anrich Nortje was ruled out injured a few weeks ago and has since been replaced by Corbin Bosch.
South Africa are in Group B alongside Australia, Afghanistan and England, while New Zealand are in Group A with Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
Top two sides in each pool advance to the semi-finals
Watch every match from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy live on Sky Sports between February 19 and March 9 or stream with NOW.
